Product Strategy Beyond Buzzwords | Zachary Bolton | Drop 02 Ep. 02

Zachary Bolton is a product strategist with over 15 years of experience navigating the triumphs of product development. He is a partner at Other Land, a small design studio and helps B2B product leaders decide what needs to change to improve growth. Zach shares insights from his career, including his transition from advertising to founding the agency, Otherland.

He challenges traditional strategy frameworks, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer value. The discussion explores practical strategies for aligning teams within organizations, fostering a growth-oriented culture through leadership, and providing actionable advice for designers looking to launch their practices.

Key Topics Discussed:
Deconstructing Traditional Frameworks
Uncovering True Customer Value
Growth Mindset in Established Companies
Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy
Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration


Key Takeaways
Product strategy is about understanding unique value.
Frameworks should serve the strategy, not hinder it.
Customer insights are crucial for effective strategy.
Collaboration across departments is key to success.
Simplicity in communication enhances understanding.
Mistakes are part of the learning process.

Referenced Resources:
No Bullsh*t Strategy by Alex M H Smith - https://a.co/d/c3pkKTD
Running Lean by Ash Maurya - https://a.co/d/a6BpApW
House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds - https://a.co/d/17pFCB9


Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:52 Zachary Bolton's Journey and Background
05:50 Understanding Product Strategy
11:45 The Complexity of Strategy
18:02 Challenges in Traditional Product Strategy
24:02 Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy
30:12 Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration
36:07 Leadership and Growth Mindset
42:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for Designers



Where to find Zachary Bolton
LinkedIn:   / zachbolton  
Agency Website: https://www.otherland.studio/


Co-hosts:
Emmanuel -   / omoleemmanuel  
IniOluwa -   / inioluwa-abiodun  

Production by ⁠⁠  / damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0  
⁠⁠
For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]